Writing an Acceptable Use Policy for BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology) should be a detailed study and process for the Administration, the Faculty and the Community that brings them together for mutual benefit and understandable guidelines for bringing personal portable devices to be used in an educational setting.
I have found a great document that I would like to recommend. I have not used this document nor have I been able to take the time to write an authentic Acceptable Use Policy involving all these partners in education.
K-12 Blueprint - A planning resource for personalizing learning - Toolkit
After researching, reading, analyzing and writing an ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY for BYOT devices I believe that it would be like trying to "reinvent the wheel" to NOT use this great TOOLKIT!
After my short research I have written an ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY for BYOT that includes what I feel was important for a school district.
BRING YOUR OWN TECHNOLOGY (BYOT) PROGRAM
I. APPROVAL OF PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES (PEDS)
Recognizing the importance of the current Digital Age and the need for the students of Casa Grande Elementary School District to join this revolution we are approving the use of portable electronic devices in the classroom (subject to the discretion of the initiating/supervising teacher). Recent studies indicate that the devices listed below are of educational value in that they access desired content requested by the supervising teacher that extends, enhances and reinforces student learning. The Initiating/Supervising teacher will be responsible to determine how these devices will be used and that this use is consistent with approved district objectives and standards. All activities planned by the Supervising Teacher must be approved by their school principal.
II. RESPONSIBLE USE AND ZERO TOLERANCE
Responsible use of all personal electronic devices (PEDs) is expected of all participants and must be according to legal guidelines. If a student or staff uses a PED it will be with the understanding that it comes under the district Acceptable Use Policy and guidelines, these BYOT guidelines as well as all Board policies, procedures and the current student code of conduct. A zero-tolerance standard applies to anyone failing to adhere to these guidelines with revocation of the privilege of use as the appropriate disciplinary action.
III. PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES (PEDS)
The following personal electronic devices (PEDs) are approved for use on the campuses:
1. Personal Laptop computers 2. Tablet PCs (Kindle, Nook, etc.) 3. iPads 4. E-readers (and similar netbooks)
IV. EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY
This policy approves the use of PEDs for all campuses (elementary and middle schools) within the Casa Grande Elementary School District. It is assumed that these devices are being used for educational purposes ONLY and under the DIRECT supervision of the Initiating Teacher. It is also understood that using a PED for “personal use” is not a valid “use” in the classroom setting.
V. EQUITY OF USE
To qualify the inclusion of a “PED” for “educational use” in the classroom, it must be implemented by a Supervising Teacher, according to District standards/instructional objectives planned by the Supervising Teacher. In order to guarantee “equity of use” when PEDs are used by students to enhance learning in the classroom, all students without the device will be provided a similar district-owned digital device.
VI. VIOLATION CONSEQUENCES
The use of PEDs within the confines of District campuses is a privilege given but not guaranteed by the District according to this BYOT policy. Anyone violating board policies, this policy, District regulations or school rules governing these devices may result in the loss of privilege for the use of these PEDs. If reasonable doubt arises concerning the valid use of PEDs within the District the school administrator reserves the right to inspect the PED for evidence of the violation. All searches will be conducted according to Board policies.
VII. COMPLIANCE WITH GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES
Any staff or student willing to participate in the BYOT program must be willing to use said devices under the following guidelines and limits.
Students
1) . …must abide by all Acceptable Use Policies and regulations, including policies relating to conduct, disciplinary consequences and responsible use of PEDs.
2) …are responsible for the care and safety of any device brought to the school for use in educational activities. Neither the District nor the Supervising Teacher will be responsible for the loss of, damage to or theft of a PED.
3) …agree to use PEDs for educational use ONLY and ONLY under the direct supervision of an Initiating Teacher. Anyone using a PED without adult supervision is in violation of this BYOT policy.
4) …must keep their PEDs turned off when they are not in use.
5) …must refrain from using any digital recording feature to capture, transmit, record audio, video or still images of other staff, students, faculty without explicit written permission by the subject of the audio, video or still image.
6) …must not use a PED so that it disrupts the educational environment of the classroom. The use of said devices are for enhancing educational objectives and must be used accordingly.
7) …must understand that any instance of bullying, harassing or intimidating other individuals while using a PED will be subject to disciplinary action under the current policies and procedures of the Bullying Policy in this District.
8)…agree that the District is NOT responsible for maintenance of any PED brought to school for educational uses. The District will not be responsible to service, repair or maintain devices not owned by the District.
I have found a great document that I would like to recommend. I have not used this document nor have I been able to take the time to write an authentic Acceptable Use Policy involving all these partners in education.
It is found at http://www.k12blueprint.com/byod sponsored by Intel Education - TECH&LEARNING
K-12 Blueprint - A planning resource for personalizing learning - Toolkit
After researching, reading, analyzing and writing an ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY for BYOT devices I believe that it would be like trying to "reinvent the wheel" to NOT use this great TOOLKIT!
After my short research I have written an ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY for BYOT that includes what I feel was important for a school district.
BRING YOUR OWN TECHNOLOGY (BYOT) PROGRAM
I. APPROVAL OF PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES (PEDS)
Recognizing the importance of the current Digital Age and the need for the students of Casa Grande Elementary School District to join this revolution we are approving the use of portable electronic devices in the classroom (subject to the discretion of the initiating/supervising teacher). Recent studies indicate that the devices listed below are of educational value in that they access desired content requested by the supervising teacher that extends, enhances and reinforces student learning. The Initiating/Supervising teacher will be responsible to determine how these devices will be used and that this use is consistent with approved district objectives and standards. All activities planned by the Supervising Teacher must be approved by their school principal.
II. RESPONSIBLE USE AND ZERO TOLERANCE
Responsible use of all personal electronic devices (PEDs) is expected of all participants and must be according to legal guidelines. If a student or staff uses a PED it will be with the understanding that it comes under the district Acceptable Use Policy and guidelines, these BYOT guidelines as well as all Board policies, procedures and the current student code of conduct. A zero-tolerance standard applies to anyone failing to adhere to these guidelines with revocation of the privilege of use as the appropriate disciplinary action.
III. PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES (PEDS)
The following personal electronic devices (PEDs) are approved for use on the campuses:
1. Personal Laptop computers
2. Tablet PCs (Kindle, Nook, etc.)
3. iPads
4. E-readers (and similar netbooks)
IV. EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY
This policy approves the use of PEDs for all campuses (elementary and middle schools) within the Casa Grande Elementary School District. It is assumed that these devices are being used for educational purposes ONLY and under the DIRECT supervision of the Initiating Teacher. It is also understood that using a PED for “personal use” is not a valid “use” in the classroom setting.
V. EQUITY OF USE
To qualify the inclusion of a “PED” for “educational use” in the classroom, it must be implemented by a Supervising Teacher, according to District standards/instructional objectives planned by the Supervising Teacher. In order to guarantee “equity of use” when PEDs are used by students to enhance learning in the classroom, all students without the device will be provided a similar district-owned digital device.
VI. VIOLATION CONSEQUENCES
The use of PEDs within the confines of District campuses is a privilege given but not guaranteed by the District according to this BYOT policy. Anyone violating board policies, this policy, District regulations or school rules governing these devices may result in the loss of privilege for the use of these PEDs.
If reasonable doubt arises concerning the valid use of PEDs within the District the school administrator reserves the right to inspect the PED for evidence of the violation. All searches will be conducted according to Board policies.
VII. COMPLIANCE WITH GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES
Any staff or student willing to participate in the BYOT program must be willing to use said devices under the following guidelines and limits.
Students
1) . …must abide by all Acceptable Use Policies and regulations, including policies relating to conduct, disciplinary consequences and responsible use of PEDs.
2) …are responsible for the care and safety of any device brought to the school for use in educational activities. Neither the District nor the Supervising Teacher will be responsible for the loss of, damage to or theft of a PED.
3) …agree to use PEDs for educational use ONLY and ONLY under the direct supervision of an Initiating Teacher. Anyone using a PED without adult supervision is in violation of this BYOT policy.
4) …must keep their PEDs turned off when they are not in use.
5) …must refrain from using any digital recording feature to capture, transmit, record audio, video or still images of other staff, students, faculty without explicit written permission by the subject of the audio, video or still image.
6) …must not use a PED so that it disrupts the educational environment of the classroom. The use of said devices are for enhancing educational objectives and must be used accordingly.
7) …must understand that any instance of bullying, harassing or intimidating other individuals while using a PED will be subject to disciplinary action under the current policies and procedures of the Bullying Policy in this District.
8)…agree that the District is NOT responsible for maintenance of any PED brought to school for educational uses. The District will not be responsible to service, repair or maintain devices not owned by the District.
ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY FOR BYOT